Clinton Twp. resident says Vos has a short memory

Councilman Vos either has a short or convenient memory. Not long ago, he appeared before the Clinton Township Zoning Board of Adjustment (aka “the orchestrators”) to defend himself against neighbors’ claims that he was in violation of township ordinances.

The claim was that the chickens and rabbits he kept in his yard constituted agricultural activity and his property did not meet the minimum standards for acreage under the ordinance. Neighbors were concerned that his chickens would attract predators and the noise created a nuisance. They were convinced he was engaged in farming in a residential zone.

No one appeared to support Mr. Vos, who was represented by counsel, while numerous residents came to complain. It was at the suggestion of Mr. Wright that the matter came to the board for an interpretation. It was not the first time the matter had been brought to a zoning officer’s attention by residents.

After careful deliberation and a reading of the applicable ordinances, the board stated that Mr. Vos’ activities were not “agricultural” and his animals were pets.

In an article in the Democrat on June 26, 2008, Mr. Vos was quoted as saying, “I’m glad it’s over. I hope it’s over,” he said. “The system is very good.” He wants people to know they should not feel threatened if someone complains.

So the same system and board that was “very good” in defending Mr. Vos’ rights and understanding the farming statutes is now incapable of discerning the activities of Daub’s Nursery within the N.J. Farmland Preservation Act and its enforcement through the County Agricultural Board?

A series of statutes, rules and polices govern this right and it is not a “sacred right” just in Hunterdon County.

How much research did you do on the topic, Mr. Vos?

If the board was influenced by the loudest voices or biggest crowds, you would have been fined and told to remove your animals. You should know firsthand that just because there is a claim that activities are related to farming and agriculture does not make it so.

All board members take the work seriously and the one member attending the county meeting is the most experienced, previously serving on the County Agricultural Board, Township Council and as chairman of the Clinton Township Board of Adjustment.

The answer to Mr. Wilbert’s challenge will come from the same deliberative process based on the relevant state, county and township regulations. These regulations serve the good of the community. They ensure that buildings are built safely, the character of the town is preserved and appropriate activities are conducted within the agreed-upon zoning laws.

Without them, what would you do if a neighbor decided to raise sheep to sell wool and they processed fertilizer in their backyard? Would it matter if your neighbor was a veteran? Would it matter to the board that he chooses to insult them before the subject was adjudicated?

I won’t speak to the details of the case here; it is a pending matter. I do agree with you on one thing, however, the system is very good.

I suggest you stop insulting people without knowing the details and the decades of public service they’ve given to protect the township. I realize your first week of public service must be traumatic, but shame on you, Mr. Vos! Get off the soapbox, do some research, and think twice before you insult other township public servants.

Note: The opinion expressed is mine as a township resident. While I am a member of the Clinton Township Board of Adjustment, I do not represent them or other board members in this letter.